Ofload launches AI platform to cut freight emissions

Ofload has introduced DataVerse, an AI-enabled platform designed to measure and optimise carbon emissions across Australian freight networks.

The platform, described as an industry first by the company, facilitates businesses in aggregating and analysing freight data from various providers and routes, offering a comprehensive overview of emissions and freight performance. Geoffroy Henry, CEO of Ofload, highlighted the need for this innovation, stating: "We are proud to move a wide variety of freight profiles across Australia, which our customers track on our Carbon Analytics Platform and Performance Analysis tools. But this is not enough – businesses needed a way to see data throughout their entire logistics networks – so DataVerse was born. This is a major leap towards better emissions tracking, industry accountability, and ultimately tackling carbon, waste and inefficiencies in supply chains."

Ofload has launched the beta version of DataVerse, initially rolling it out with Remedy Drinks, a health drink producer. A full version is anticipated by Q1 CY2025.

The system aggregates data from multiple sources, including non-Ofload freight operations, giving businesses a singular view of all their freight movements. It integrates with Ofload's existing Carbon Analytics Platform and Performance Analysis tools, which have proven effective since their release earlier this year. These tools have already reported on carbon output over 22 million kilometres, measuring emissions particulars such as total CO2 emissions, average emissions per kilometre, and per shipment.

The need for such innovation aligns with environmental targets set by the Australian Government and state authorities, who are working toward net-zero emissions by 2050. Addressing inefficiencies in logistics, which significantly contribute to overall emissions, becomes crucial. As articulated trucks, though making up only 1% of vehicles, account for 15% of vehicle emissions, Ofload's platform could be pivotal in reducing these figures by providing comprehensive data for carbon reduction strategies.

Chris McInnes, Ofload's Chief Technology Officer, emphasised the importance of transparency brought by DataVerse: "DataVerse enables more accountability and full transparency for the logistics industry. It's a brave step for Ofload to take, but the uses for this technology are too important not to. Since inception, our mission has been to eliminate waste through the supply chain – and that means across everything from road to rail and coastal."

The rollout of DataVerse aims to level the playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering functionality that was previously only accessible to larger multinational companies able to undertake such measurement in-house.

This development is timely given the recent legislative changes mandating emissions reporting in Australia, as per the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024. This bill requires businesses to report on Scope 3 emissions starting in 2025, underscoring the necessity for sustainable practice prioritisation.

Remedy Drinks, the first company to pilot DataVerse, aims to accelerate its sustainability initiatives through the platform. By employing this technology, the company will monitor its carbon footprint closely, ensuring alignment with its sustainability targets while enhancing logistics transparency and efficiency.